Dublin: Immigration Services Delivery (ISD) has announced a scheme to facilitate customers planning international travel during the Christmas period. The Government will allow non-EEA nationals who have applied to renew their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card before its expiry date to travel without hindrance.
This arrangement has been introduced in light of the delays Immigration Services are experiencing in processing IRP registration and renewals. It typically takes an additional two weeks for the IRP card to be received by post once the registration is complete.
Extended Validity for Travel
Non-EEA citizens who have applied for an IRP card renewal can use their existing, expired IRP card to travel between December 8, 2025, and January 31, 2026.
To avail of this arrangement, applicants must present the following documents to immigration authorities and airlines:
- The expired IRP card.
- A downloaded and printed Travel Confirmation Notice (available from the ISD website).
- The application confirmation (the email confirming the date the renewal application was submitted).
The Department of Justice continues to process renewal applications. All airlines and foreign missions have been notified of this temporary system. Authorities also remind travelers that they must still meet the immigration requirements of any third country they transit through, including visa requirements, to return to Ireland.
The Minister for Justice also confirmed that non-EEA citizens residing in the country who need to renew their current permission and wish to travel internationally during the Christmas period can travel hassle-free on their recently expired IRP card.
